September 25, 2026
Michigan communities will soon benefit from the addition of 10 state troopers who graduated this afternoon from the 151st Trooper Recruit School, a recruit school for licensed police officers.
During the ceremony in Lansing, Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police (MSP), administered the Oath of Office to 10 individuals who begin their assignments at MSP posts across the state next week.
“Congratulations to the graduates of the 151st Trooper Recruit School for their entrance into a proud tradition of excellence and public service,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Every day, troopers help keep our roads, neighborhoods, schools, and communities safe. I’m immensely grateful to the sacrifices they make in the line of duty. Congratulations to today’s graduates. Let’s keep working together to bring down crime, invest in our communities, and build a Michigan where everyone can thrive.”
The 151st Trooper Recruit School began on Sunday, July 5, 2026, with 12 prospective troopers, at the MSP Training Academy in Lansing. During an accelerated program designed to acknowledge their prior experience, recruits received training in patrol techniques, report writing, ethics, cultural diversity and implicit bias, decision making, leadership, first aid, criminal law, crime scene processing, firearms, water safety, defensive tactics and precision driving.
Tpr. Jason Fritsma was elected Class Orator by his fellow recruits and spoke on behalf of the graduating class at their ceremony. Also recognized was Tpr. Travis Hall who received the Team Building Award, Tpr. Seth Bjorne who received the Academic and Marksmanship awards, Tpr. Daniel Stacks who received the Outstanding Achievement Award, Tpr. Tyler Windahl who received the Physical Training Award and Tpr. Corey Pierce who received the Sgt. Matt Rogers Award for Driving Excellence.
"We are thrilled to welcome our 10 newest troopers to the MSP," said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “They are well versed in public service, as all were in law enforcement prior joining the department. We know they will keep doing a great job making sure our communities are safe.”
Including the 10 graduates of the 151st Trooper Recruit School, there are approximately 1,200 troopers assigned statewide, and a total of 1,850 enlisted members in the MSP.
The MSP is actively recruiting for future trooper recruit schools, including the 153rd Trooper Recruit School, slated to begin May 2027. Persons interested in learning more should visit www.michigan.gov/MSPjobs for information on how to apply.
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